AUSTIN — The Texas House began speeding through a slate of gun bills Saturday, giving quick preliminary approval to bills to reduce the amount of classroom instruction needed for a concealed handgun permit, allow permits to be renewed online and reduce fees for reserve peace officers, veterans, Texas guard members and correctional officers.

The three bills, which top a list of gun bills for House consideration, were approved within a half hour. They need a final House vote before heading to the Senate for consideration or consideration of House changes.

Senate Bill 864 by Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, as approved by senators would reduce the number of hours of classroom instruction needed for a permit from the current 10 to 15 to six. The House version by Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Canton, would change that to four to six hours. After a final House vote, it will return to the Senate for consideration of House changes.

House Bill 48 by Flynn would allow online renewal of concealed handgun permits. It will go to the Senate for consideration after another House vote.

House Bill 485 by Rep. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, originally was filed to reduce concealed handgun fees for reserve peace officers and honorably discharged veterans. Davis expressed concern over amendments to broaden the lists of those who are eligible for reduced fees, saying they were worthy but costly. She said her original bill would cost the state $800,000, while the amendments would cost several million dollars in lost revenue.

But after an amendment to add Texas guard members survived a motion to table it, Davis said she would accept the amendments to avoid lawmakers having to cast votes against adding groups. Lawmakers also added an amendment to give the discount to correctional officers. A proposed amendment to reduce the fee for everyone was ruled not germane to the bill.